Orthopaedic Surgery on Left Arm Is Set For June 17

Hello Everyone,

I'm sorry I've neglected my blog for so long. I have been using my energy for doctor appointments, water aerobics and helping with the upcoming fundraising event for the Hostel on May 14. After we got the invitations out (a huge job} I have been helping to record the reservations`as they come in and to try to find correct addresses for our returned mail. Then we hurry to resend them before it's too late to invite anyone. Not having paid employees keeps a few of us hopping at crunch time before an event like this. We would love to have full time assistants who follow us around and help us with whatever comes up! Wouldn't we all?

Our dear Dr. Yuen came through again. He understood my concerns, and suggested an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes`in elbows , hands and shoulders would be best for this. His name is Dr. Hasan. He's the same doctor who did such a good job doing Deno's shoulder replacement. Dr. Yuen even called and talked with him about my case and set my appointment with Dr. Hasan asap. I felt good about him at our appointment and`we have set the surgery date for June 17.

Since the radius bone is disconnected at each end, he has to make two different incisions. He will cut off the knobby ends and attach some artificial ends to connect them. I'll give other details after the surgery.

I have also seen an x-ray of my separated shoulder. It isn't the socket area, but further up toward my collar bone. It shows the bone separated about an inch apart. That's why I have the big knot up there that keeps me from sleeping normally in the bed. I still have to be about 1/3 on my side and back on the bedroom sofa. They think this may not require surgery if it will continue to heal like it is. I don't mind the knot if I can get comfortable in our own bed again!!!

I have been to many doctor appointments, physical therapy twice weekly, had x-rays, ct scans, blood work to monitor my blood thinner level. All my blood work is good, even my cholestoral is way down since before the accident. Happily I have been maintaining the 40 pound weight loss by much smaller servings than before.

I am so grateful to God for my life and recovery, to John for being my wings and my heart, and to all my family anf friends who have lovingly prayed for me and have helped in so many wonderful ways. I want to write about the last several sweethearts who brought food in my blog, too, but am slow getting that done, although I think of it daily.

Mindy, Thom, Garrett and Brooke are flying back to the states for good June 24. Can't wait to see them. They aren't sure where they'll settle. They may wait the one year left for Mindy to finish her online graduate course in Library and Information Science.

Dean is`happy about a neat house he has rented with plenty of room for Laine to visit there. She's there today helping him get settled.

My love to all,
Linda